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New Owner Buys Marlin Jetfoil

Date Posted: 2000-11-03

The high-speed jetfoil Marlin that used to whisk passengers between Naha, Motobu and Ie Island has found a new owner. The Marlin ran its last trip on the route in February this year and the operations were halted because of heavy losses.

The new owner is an affiliate of JR (Japan Railroads) Kyushu based in Fukuoka. The company has agreed to pay ¥795 million for the ship. Kawasaki Heavy Industries has agreed to buy the spare parts for an additional ¥45 million.

Officials representing the now defunct company that used to operate the Marlin say that the price is high enough to cover most of the accumulated losses. The Marlin project was a joint venture of a private investor and six municipalities from Northern Okinawa. Okinawa Prefecture also provided funds.